LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky true freshman wide receiver Ryan Timmons, who has been a key playmaker for the Kentucky offense this season ranking fourth in rushing yards and second in receiving yards, has been named to the College Football Performance Awards 2013 National Freshman Performer of the Year Watch List, it was announced recently.

Timmons is one of 32 FBS players and one of four Southeastern Conference players to make the watch list. According to the CFPA release, the watch list is a rough guide, highlighting freshmen whose performances merit recognition.

The true freshman is having a great year for Kentucky, sitting second in receiving with 19 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown and fourth in rushing with eight carries for 88 yards. Timmons is averaging 11 yards per reception or rush attempt and scored his first collegiate touchdown last weekend against South Carolina on a 14-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone.

The native of Frankfort, Ky., has played in every game this season with two starts while he has caught at least one pass in all five games. Timmons caught a season-best six passes for 40 yards against Florida, while he had a season-high 72 receiving yards against Louisville.

Previous FBS recipients of the award include Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2012), Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (2011), former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore (2010), and former Oregon running back LaMichael James (2009).

The goal of College Football Performance Awards is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferment in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams.

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